Cong. Etz Chaim to honor Fischer, Friedlander, Jewish Federation

News release:

Congregation Etz Chaim, located in Wilton Manors, will honor Rita Fischer, Larry Friedlander and the Jewish Federation of Broward County at its 34th Anniversary Gala Dinner/Dance, to be held Saturday, April 5, in the New River Room of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception on the veranda followed by a sumptuous dinner and dancing.

The Gala will honor two special members of the CEC family. “Mamasita” Rita Fischer, a PFLAG Mom and “snowbird” from New York, is best-known for raising copious amounts of money in support of the Metropolitan New York AIDS Walk. Larry Friedlander, a Holocaust survivor and father of three, has served the Synagogue in various posts, most notably as President of the Congregation and Chair of the Ritual Committee. Cong. Etz Chaim will also inaugurate a new award, the Community Tikkun Olam Award which will be presented to the Jewish Federation of Broward County in recognition of its outstanding service to the community.

“We are really thrilled with this year’s honorees” commented Congregation President Lyn Saberg. “Rita and Larry each have a long history of involvement with our Congregation and exemplify some of the diversity that exists among our members. We also are particularly pleased to recognize the Broward Federation for the wonderful efforts they have made to be inclusive and to unify the Jewish community.”

Historically, Congregation Etz Chaim has served as a spiritual home for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews from the entire tri-county area of South Florida. Rabbi Harold Caminker is in his third year as spiritual leader.

Members of the community are welcome to attend this Gala Dinner Dance. Tickets to the Gala are $105 for Congregation and Federation members and $125 for non-members and guests. For further information, ticket sales, and commemorative ad journal ads, contact Congregation Administrator Sherry Davidson at (954) 564-9232 or Vice President of Fundraising Alex Rosenberg at (561) 716-4825. Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1881 N.E. 26 Street, in Wilton Manors. Sabbath Services are held on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m.